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Public Dialogue and Atomic Culture | The Bomb

In this clip from �The Bomb,� learn how little Americans knew about the bomb at first, and the remarkable way they began to understand more. When two atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered, the country rejoiced; it seemed to be a great thing at first. But one year later, a single essay � John Hersey�s �Hiroshima� � took the public by storm. For the first time, Americans learned about the experiences of the people at Hiroshima, and many began to turn away from nuclear weapons. A debate about using the bomb began that continues to this day. Yet the early atomic age had another side as well. Though it seems comical today, the atom seemed to offer almost miraculous solutions to everyday needs.